The Innkeeper



Countless thoughts surfaced in their minds as the three envoys tried to explain what was happening around them. Though they were shocked, and they could not explain why the newly appointed King was acting so fiercely, it was a little early to jump to conclusions. As it was, they were the ones who held the upper hand in the situation, for all three countries had a united stance on the matter. Regardless of whatever they were plotting, the downfall of Ferigo was already determined. The only thing that remained to be decided was how costly it would be for the three countries.

"When we heard of the situation, we spared no expense to hurry to your aid," said the envoy from Nefario, the slim man of the three. "After all, with the limited military of Ferigo, no one was certain if you would be able to survive without aid if you suffered more of such attacks."

Lex's smile widened just as bit as his gaze fixed on the man speaking. Compared to his companions, the envoy from Nefario was clearly more competent and quick-witted. His explanation for Lex's previous remark pointed out Ferigo's weak military, as well as the fact that its current existence relied on the three countries' grace. The moment they decided to attack Ferigo, it would not survive. In fact, the whole point of this meeting was an attempt to get Ferigo to peacefully allow the military of the neighboring countries to enter, and peacefully hand over its cities. All of this would be done under the guise of protection and military aid.

This way the three countries would not have to invest in a campaign against Ferigo and win all the prizes, while the current King himself would be allowed some concessions for allowing such an easy handover. He could become a minor noble or something, and live out his days in luxury.

The way the envoy saw it, the King was not trying to trap or attack them, but was merely building up his own importance before the negotiations began.

To Lex, however, this was only an amusing attempt to maintain control. He had no intention of playing by the rules.

"Yes, indeed, the security in Ferigo is atrocious lately. There are bandits attacks and raids everywhere. I'm glad to see you arrived without incident."

Despite the envoys goading, Lex retained his casual tone, and did not hesitate to lace his concern with sarcasm. While the ministers were confused, for Ferigo never had any problems with bandits, the envoys too were confused. The King blatantly admitting to having to suffer at the hand of bandits was actually weakening their position.

But the thing was, Lex never intended to negotiate to begin with. Relying on the mercy of others would forever mire Ferigo in a weak position. The solution he had come up with to resolve this issue was not to intimidate them, or even get on their good side. It was instead to turn them against one another.

The reason he had mentioned bandits was because of a plan he had set into motion even before the envoys arrived. He ordered his general to have his strongest unit dress up as bandits, and on the way back ambush the envoys party as they return.

But how could the strategy Lex took so much time thinking up be so simple and straightforward? It would be obvious to anyone that the 'bandits' were not really so due to their strength and training. The real plan would be implemented when the envoys, who would just barely push the bandits back, would actually discover - by accident - that the bandits were actually soldiers from Havi!

But then again, just that would not be enough to throw suspicion their way, so Lex had already arranged for some of the retainers from Havi to be poisoned, and to make it look like normal travel fatigue. The envoy of Havi would naturally have to stay back until his retainers recovered, conveniently missing out on the ambush.

Now, with some evidence and a convenient coincidence keeping the Havi envoy from being attacked, the suspicion pointing towards him would be greater. But suspicion was not enough, he needed the others to be certain of their guess.

It was at this point, one might beg the question, why was Lex targeting Havi instead of Solis or Nefario? Weren't they all equally susceptible to taking the blame? Did he then choose the country randomly?

The answer was no, he had targeted Havi specifically because of the complex socio-political history of the region. Havi shared a border not only with Ferigo, but also with Nefario and another country. Up until recently, relations between Havi and Nefario were tense because there was a Blazing-iron mine close to their borders. They often had skirmishes and small disputes to contest the ownership of that mine, until it was eventually completely depleted.

With bad history already existing between them, all Lex needed to do was plant the idea that Havi was secretly conspiring with Ferigo against Nefario, at the expense of Solis.

Then, through a series of 'coincidences' and misunderstandings, he could sit and watch as the three countries tore each other up. All the while, they would not be concerned about Ferigo which was apparently continuously being weakened by 'bandits'. They could take care of it when they settled matters between themselves.

That would give Lex enough time to begin implementing a series of military reforms which would not only strengthen their army and martial culture in the country, but ensure that full control of the army stayed with the King and did not fall into the hands of some generals.

Of course, Lex was not going to be around to see all this. He would just make the plan and set the wheels in motion which would lead to the dominance of Ferigo in the region in close to a couple of decades.

"Even if you have bandits, seeing us flying the colors of our countries, they would never dare to attack our delegation!" the envoy from Solis said boldly and with arrogance.

"Indeed. They would be completely crazy to attack all three of you together," said Lex with a soft smile.